Development of female non-hormonal contraceptives (NHCs) is a laudable goal because hormonal (steroidal) contraceptives are either contraindicated or not well tolerated by a substantial proportion of women. Whereas currently available hormonal contraceptives for women have their drawbacks, they do have some benefits that we should strive to preserve in NHCs. For example, combination oral birth control pills reduce the risks of some benign and malignant gynecological pathologies, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer. Regardless of whether NHCs work by preventing ovulation or fertilization, they risk losing some of the non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal contraceptives if not designed with great care. I assert that female NHCs should be designed to preserve, or at least not negate, the ovarian and endometrial cancer risk reductions conferred by some hormonal methods.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease of global public health importance which accounts for 59,000 human deaths annually. In India, about 60million stray or free ranging dogs are found in the country posing a significant risk of increase in incidences of dog bite and transmission of rabies. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of dog bites and associated healthcare seeking behavior for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis in North and South Shahdara municipal zones of Delhi, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted between the period of May 2023 to November 2024 in North and South Shahdara municipal zones of Delhi. Data was collected using a semi-structured, pretested and prevalidated interviewer administered schedule from family members of selected five types of residential settlements. Total of 800 families were interviewed. The overall annual incidence of dog bites was 25.5 per 1000 population and it ranged from 15.9 in Planned Colony to 32.1 in Jhuggi Jhopri Cluster. Around three fourth (75.5%) of the total dog bite cases reported in the last one year were by stray dogs. Category III dog bites were more common across all settlements, comprising 67/102 (65.7%) of the total cases. Category II dog bites had a higher odds of receiving rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) as per national guidelines compared to those with Category III dog bites (OR: 5.54, 95% CI: 2.25, 13.66). Dog bite incidence in Delhi was high and varied across type of settlements. More emphasis should be placed on mass dog vaccination and animal birth control measures in areas with high incidence of dog bites. Despite good anti-rabies vaccine uptake, the shortfall in rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) administration for high risk Category III bites highlights the need for periodic training of health workers.

The population control ideologue Joseph Sunnen distributed his spermicidal vaginal foam Emko, first in Puerto Rico and then surreptitiously to poor and working-class women in the United States through the mail and in concert with Planned Parenthood in clinics and their workplace. He sought to limit the country's population by advancing an idealized American family of only one or two children. With a coordinated public relations campaign, he created the first mainstream magazine ad for birth control and placed ads in newspapers and magazines nationally to sell Americans on the benefits of having smaller families.

Cysteine proteases play key roles in plant immunity. In contrast, pathogen-secreted proteases contribute to destroying the immune defenses of plants and animals. However, the pathogenic mechanism remains enigmatic. Here, we find Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc)-secreted cysteine proteinase XoCysP1 interacts with rice-secreted xylanase inhibitory protein OsXIP2, which enhances rice resistance to Xoc, and promotes OsXIP2 degradation in rice apoplast. As a counterattack, the rice-secreted cysteine protease inhibitory protein OsCPIP8 associates with XoCysP1 to block XoCysP1-mediated OsXIP2 degradation and confer rice resistance. Additionally, OsCPIP8 is recognized by the receptor-like kinases OsRLK8 and OsSERK2 to trigger plant immunity. In conclusion, OsCPIP8 not only protects defense protein OsXIP2 from degradation by the pathogen but also activates rice immunity recognized by receptors. This discovery will enhance the understanding of "attack and defense" mechanisms between pathogens and hosts in the apoplast, and provide a roadmap for developing biopesticides and pathogen-informed resistant crops.

Ultraflexible organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are promising candidates for next-generation wearable and portable electronics due to their lightweight, flexibility, and conformal properties. However, their long-term operational stability remains a critical challenge, as they are susceptible to degradation from both photo- and mechanical stress. The degradation pathways are further worsened by UV radiation, which degrades the active materials, as well as the device's interfacial and encapsulation layers. We addressed this by fabricating a 3.6 μm-thick polyimide (PI) film that functions as both a flexible substrate and a UV filter with a cutoff wavelength about 380 nm. When encapsulated with parylene, the ultraflexible devices demonstrated exceptional mechanical durability, enduring 4000 cyclic bends at a 0.5 mm radius without performance loss. Under 1-Sun ambient irradiation, the PI film's UV-filtering effect proved to be crucial. It not only prevented internal oxygen generation from the zinc oxide layer but also protected the parylene encapsulation from UV-induced degradation. This dual protection resulted in a T80 lifetime of 160 h for bent devices and approximately 220 h for unbent devices, with performance degradation primarily limited by the top parylene layer.

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years still remain a very important target population for sexual and reproductive health services as their pattern of conduct is more significantly associated with sexual affection . Modern birth control services use among AGYW in Sub-Saharan Africa is still low despite having a high prevalence of unintended pregnancy. Modernbirth controlservices are crucial for sexually active Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to prevent unintended pregnancies. This study aimed to explore the barriers to the utilization of modern birth controlservices (including short term methods, long term methods and permanent methods) among AGYW (15-24 years) in Oyam District, Northern Uganda. We conducted a qualitative study involving eight focus group discussions (FGDs) each with ten respondents, who were AGYW, aged 15-24 years residing in Oyam district Northern Uganda. The FGDs lasted 60-90 minutes and they were audio-recorded. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and Open Code software was used to evaluate the data using both an inductive and deductive thematic approach. Three main themes emerged as barriers to modern birth control services use. First, opposition to modern birth control including; religious, male and cultural opposition. Secondly, health concerns related to modern birth control methods use such as side effects, rumors and misconceptions. Thirdly, health systems factors such as availability of modern birth control methods and waiting time at the health facilities. The main barriers to the utilization of modern birth control services among AGYW (15 - 24 Years) in Oyam District, Northern Uganda were opposition to modern birth control, health concerns, health systems factors and rumors and misconceptions. Family and community rumors were important decision-influencing factors when it came to using modern family planning services, implying that modern birth control campaigns should target more than just the individual.

Sexual and reproductive health remains a significant public health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to contraception and sexuality education is often limited. This study examined factors associated with the use of condoms and other birth control methods among school-going adolescents in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Thailand. This study utilized cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey conducted in Brunei Darussalam (2019), Thailand (2021), and Indonesia (2023), involving 868 sexually active school-going adolescents. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess the association between demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral risk factors with use of condoms and other birth control methods among adolescents who reported being sexually active. Condom use was significantly higher among adolescents in Thailand than those in Indonesia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 8.035); no significant difference was observed in Brunei Darussalam. High parental support was positively associated with condom use (AOR, 1.883). Regarding other birth control methods, adolescents aged 17 years and older were more likely to use contraception than their younger peers (AOR, 1.557). Adolescents in Thailand also demonstrated a higher use of other birth control methods (AOR, 2.132). Additionally, experiencing a single symptom of psychological distress was positively associated with using other birth control methods. Age, number of sexual partners, psychological distress, parental support, and national context significantly influenced contraceptive use among adolescents in Southeast Asia. Enhancing parental involvement, expanding access to adolescent-friendly health services, and strengthening comprehensive sexuality education are crucial strategies for reducing the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents.

Background: the use of birth control during postpartum before 6 weeks or 42 days will be able to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Knowledge and attitudes are factors that influence the use of birth control after childbirth. One effort to increase mothers' knowledge and attitudes about postpartum family planning is through health education provided both through classes for pregnant women and during third-trimester counseling visits. Objective: to determine the relationship between health education and the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding postpartum family planning at the Annasr Cisauk Main Clinic, Tangerang Regency in 2023. Research method: quantitative analysis with cross-sectional design. The research sample was 52 third-trimester pregnant women using an accidental sampling technique. The research instrument used a questionnaire. The data is primary data analyzed using the chi-square test. Research results: univariate analysis showed that the majority of pregnant women received health education about postpartum family planning, 67.3%, with good knowledge 63.5% and positive attitudes 69.2%. The results of the bivariate analysis showed a relationship between health education and pregnant women's knowledge (p-value = 0.000) and pregnant women's attitudes (p-value = 0.006) regarding postpartum family planning. Conclusions and Suggestions: there is a relationship between health education and pregnant women's knowledge and attitudes about postpartum family planning. Midwives are expected to provide health education to all pregnant women in the third trimester regarding the use of birth control contraceptives after giving birth before 42 days so that after giving birth the mother will consciously want to use them as an effort to shorten pregnancy.

Receipt and content of perinatal health care across pre-pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum stages by extent of disability.

To evaluate the oral health, oral hygiene, and dietary habits of pregnant women, as well as the health status and habits of their children in their first few months of life. This project, implemented through an agreement between the Pescara Local Health Authority and the "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti and Pescara, enabled these investigations to be carried out and assessed satisfaction with pre-/post-partum courses. This is a descriptive statistical analysis conducted on a sample of participants from a maternal and child oral health education project. The project was conducted from June 2023 to December 2024 and enabled 500 pregnant women to participate in pre- and post-partum courses. Of these participants, 105 underwent a free dental examination and agreed to complete a first questionnaire. Subsequently, 53 of these women responded to a second questionnaire regarding the post-partum period. The questionnaires aimed to collect data on general and oral health, dietary and oral hygiene habits, and information about the newborn, their birth, and their first few months of life. From the first questionnaire, it was found that 52.4% of women reported gum bleeding during pregnancy and 40% reported gum swelling. 51.4% had a dental check-up in the previous year, and 58.1% did not use interdental cleaning aids. The second questionnaire revealed that 51.9% of mothers experienced oral problems after childbirth, but of these, only 34.6% underwent a dental check-up. Regarding family habits, 51.9% of parents stated that they engaged in salivary exchange with the child, and 7.69% of newborns had a dental check-up after birth. 88.5% of mothers found the courses useful. The study confirms the prevalence of gum problems during pregnancy and, at the same time, the low level of interest in oral health and, consequently, in dental check-ups. The need to increase awareness about the risks of certain habits, such as salivary exchange, is evident. However, the high satisfaction rate with the courses and the interest shown by most of the project participants-who are still in contact with the dental facilities-demonstrate the effectiveness of the courses. It is therefore hoped that the study can be expanded on a larger scale and that the role of the paediatric dentist can be included in pre-/post-partum pathways.

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US and a leading cause of cervical cancer. Latinas have higher rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Latina White women. The HPV vaccine is a primary form of prevention recommended for pre-adolescents but, vaccine completion of the two dose vaccine series is low among Latina adolescents. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between sociocultural variables, mother-daughter connectedness, and communication about sexual health on HPV vaccine completion thereby moving beyond prior research that has focused on individual attitudes or provider recommendations. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 192 Latina mothers of Mexican descent. Linear regression and an exploratory model depicting associations between the variables and vaccination completion was tested through path analysis. Mother-daughter conversations about birth control emerged as the strongest predictor of vaccination completion. Indices of fit for a modified exploratory model were χ2(18) = 1.28 χ2/df = 5.76, p = .001; CFI = 0.96; TLI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.03. Estimates of indirect effects indicated that mother-daughter connectedness had an indirect effect on comfort having sexuality-related conversations which in turn, had an indirect effect on conversations about birth control. Findings contribute by elucidating the nuanced mechanisms through which parental relationship quality and communication practices shape parental uptake of sexual and reproductive health behaviors for children. Findings respond to calls for culturally relevant family-level approaches to HPV vaccination.

Abstract Henry Lawson is best known for his short stories of the Australian rural “bush.” He also wrote stories set in urban Sydney, and in a rediscovered letter he describes one of those stories, “Two Larrikins” (1893), as “realistic or Zolaistic.” The story is set in Lawson’s fictional Sydney slum locality of “Jones’ Alley,” also the title of one of the urban-set stories in his definitive collection While the Billy Boils (1896). This reference to Zola invites new attention to Lawson’s own slum setting and to his own conception of realism, as applied in his urban stories. The term “zolaistic” also alludes to the sex- and gender-related content of these stories, and that content connects in turn with contemporary feminist thought. The article argues that these aspects of the literary significance of Lawson’s early urban material were inevitably overshadowed by the Bush, obscuring some of the earliest examples of a minority Australian urban realist tradition.

Aloe-emodin provides dual protection against largemouth bass virus via antiviral activity and host immune enhancement.

Fertility control of rodents offers a promising alternative strategy, providing a long-term solution by gradually reducing the rodent population through controlled reproduction. Quinestrol, a synthetic estrogen, can potentially mitigate rodent fertility, but its lower bioavailability in the body limits its effectiveness. In this study, we prepared polymeric nanoparticles using standard polymer-based encapsulation techniques. This study aims to formulate, characterize, and evaluate quinestrol-based poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to enhance the bioavailability and contraceptive efficacy of quinestrol in rodents over extended periods. Blank PLGA nanoparticles (PNP) and those loaded with quinestrol (QNP) were successfully formulated using the emulsion-evaporation method and characterized for size, zeta potential, release kinetics and stability. The study further evaluated the toxicological impact of these nanoparticles on reproductive hormones in female rats (Bandicota bengalensis), measured using ELISA, and administered orally through cereal-based ready-to-use baits containing bulk quinestrol (QB-B) and QNP (QNP-B). Successful encapsulation yielded QNP (337.93 ± 6.51nm), smaller than PNP (354.33 ± 3.87nm), with a 13.42% drug loading. Low PDI (<0.3) confirmed uniform size. Drug release involved an initial burst followed by slow release up to 96h. Quinestrol in both QNP-B (10ppm) and QB-B (100ppm) increased estradiol (11.59 to 32.38-41.13pg/mL) and progesterone (4.70 to 14.42-18.25ng/mL), while reducing FSH (0.94 to 0.42-0.45 mIU/mL) and LH (28.15 to 17.60-18.69 mIU/mL) after 15days. QNP-B effects lasted 75days, compared to 45days for QB-B, demonstrating the prolonged efficacy of QNP and supporting PLGA-based delivery as a promising approach for sustained rodent fertility control.

Approved alkyne-containing drugs: A review of their pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic applications.

Upcycling agricultural byproducts: Peach Peel Extract provides dual action protection against rice root-knot nematodes

Extensive vineyard management and semi-natural habitats increase biodiversity and ecosystem services: insights from a global meta-analysis.

This study analyzes the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with unmet need for contraception among women in union in sub-Saharan Africa. Using secondary data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys, statistical tests revealed an overall prevalence of 20.7% of unmet need for contraception (13.9% for birth spacing and 6.8% for birth control). Furthermore, multinomial logistic regression shows that women aged 25-34 and 35-49 years have a reduced risk of unmet need for spacing but an increased risk for control. Women who have reached their desired fertility have a reduced need for spacing [RRR=0.87; CI=0.80-0.95, p&lt;0.01], while those with unwanted children have an increased need for control [RRR=3.80; CI=0.80-0.95, p&lt;0.01]. CI=3.50-4.12, p&lt;0.001]. Similarly, women living with a partner have a higher risk of unmet need for spacing [RRR=1.07; CI=1.01-1.13, p&lt;0.05], but those with at least primary education have a low risk for limitation. Therefore, the study recommends that family planning (FP) program managers and Non-Governmental Organizations redouble their efforts to improve access to FP services, promote women's education. It is also essential to increase awareness among small families and men aspiring to high fertility, men about the benefits of FP for health and well-being.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals assigned female at birth have specific contraceptive needs that are often unmet. This can be because of bias, systemic barriers, and misinformation as this field continues to grow. As the TGD population increases, there remains a need for evidence-based guidance on gender-affirming, comprehensive contraceptive counseling. TGD patients may pursue contraception for pregnancy prevention, menstrual suppression, or gender affirmation. Testosterone is not an approved form of contraception, so TGD patients on testosterone may choose other hormonal contraceptive options with side effects that may help alleviate gender dysphoria. Limited provider training and structural obstacles, such as insurance limitations and gendered clinical environments, continue to be barriers to care. Appropriate TGD care involves a trauma-informed, autonomy-centered approach to contraceptive counseling. Providing high-quality contraceptive care to TGD patients requires individualized, affirming, and evidence-based counseling. Understanding the interaction between gender identity, reproductive goals, and contraceptive methods is essential. Clinicians must adopt inclusive practices and advocate for expanded research and policy reform to reduce disparities and support reproductive autonomy for TGD individuals.

Naomaitong ameliorates cerebral and intestinal injury in ischemia stroke via modulation of gut-brain axis interactions: Akkermansia muciniphila-mediated regulation of tryptophan-serotonin metabolic pathways.